water for the people
June 9, 2009
READ: Matthew 25:31-46
I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink (v.35).
Shortly after moving to Uganda, I opened my home to two AIDS orphans. The other night I took the youngsters out for dinner. On the way home I aimed the car lights on a rock quarry and said, “There are many Ugandans who can’t afford to go to school. Without an education, they have to do hard jobs like working here in the hot sun and hammering huge stones into small gravel.”
The following day, the boys ran into the kitchen shouting, “Auntie Rox, water for the people!” Eventually I understood that they wanted to distribute bottles of water to the men at the rock quarry. And so we did.
The day when these two orphans are gathered in God’s presence, I wonder if He will say to them, “Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me” (Matthew 25:34-36).
The boys, who were just 5 years old when they gave water to thirsty strangers, might say in response, “Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink? Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing?” (Matthew 25:37-38).
And to them God will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!” (Matthew 25:40). Today, ask God to spur your heart to action on behalf of “the least of these.” —Roxanne Robbins
Pray for the millions of AIDS orphans in Africa, that they will develop hearts to care for others despite the hardships and loss they’ve experienced. What “water” will you share with others today?
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June 9, 2009
READ: Proverbs 6:16-19
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. —1 Peter 5:6
When our children were young, one of our favorite board games was Risk. World conquest was the objective. Each player mobilized his troops to take possession of countries and continents. It always amused me that the person who initially was leading the game seldom won. The reason is obvious. When other players sensed his mounting pride, they would join together against him.
Whether consciously or subconsciously, it is easy to dislike powerful people who have proud looks. Their very countenance seems to encourage others to throw obstacles in their paths or to be silent objectors.
In today’s Bible reading, we are told that God hates seven things. Tellingly, the first is pride. When someone overvalues himself by undervaluing others, he inevitably reveals it with his proud look. Puffed up in self-conceit, he may also devise evil and sow discord. No wonder God hates proud looks.
Proud and powerful people may think they can disregard others’ displeasure, but they cannot disregard God’s opposition. Peter reminds us not to trust in ourselves but in the One who will exalt us “in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). As we submit to Him, we avoid the risk that pride brings to our character and we become thankful, humble servants of God. — Albert Lee
No one can glorify self and Christ at the same time.
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